10-4 Magazine October 2020

14 10-4 Magazine / October 2020 Trucking (TKNG Transit) had many cool 359s in their fleet at one time, it is now comprised of all 379s, along with some daycab Freightliners, for getting into those tight spots. Tyler’s truck will be the only 359 in daily service, and it will be leased to the company. Regarding future plans, Tyler is looking to start buying into the business soon and slowly starting the succession process of shifting the ownership from Mickey to him. They (Mickey and Tyler) have also talked about opening a truck repair shop, and maybe even expanding their grain-hauling side of the business, as well. Mickey has also been building trucks for a few select clients lately, and Tyler loves helping out with those projects, too. Recently moving into his own place on the opposite side of town, Tyler is enjoying his new-found freedom (when he’s not too busy) and spending as much time as possible with his girlfriend, Tarren. Trucking is still alive and well in the Gwillim family, as Tyler’s grandpa Jim still owns and operates one truck. Hauling grain, he has been working with the same elevator for over 40 years. His truck is nothing fancy, but he takes good care of it. Tyler’s great grandmother Elizabeth, Nelson’s widow, is also still alive and well at 98 years old (she was born in 1922)! The company is now 81 years old, and still going strong. What a testament that is to the Gwillim family. Mickey doesn’t drive much anymore, but Tyler still says he is the most knowledgeable and skilled trucker he’s ever known, adding, “I can back up pretty good, but I’ve seen my dad put trucks in places I never would have believed they could fit.” Wanting to thank a few special folks for their help and contributions on this build, Tyler thanks his dad, first and foremost, for his guidance, the opportunities he has given him, all the help and advice, and finding all those perfect parts for his 359. He also wanted to thank their mechanic Charlie, along with Pat and Mike in the paint and body shop, and Rick Conner, for his help with the paint and other things. He also wanted to mention and thank James Bray, who helped install the truck’s interior, and his girlfriend Tarren, for all her patience and support. Lastly, we at 10-4 would like to thank Mickey Gwillim for supplying the fantastic combo shot of Tyler’s truck and hopper trailer, along with the picture of the lettering on the truck’s frame. Continuing to rebuild his 2000 Pete 379, Mickey is planning to paint it the same color as Tyler’s 359, but with a slightly different color on the frame. Hoping to have it done soon, this will be another milestone Mickey has looked forward to doing with his son all his life – trucking with him on the big road in nearly-matching trucks! Being a fifth-generation trucker, Tyler Gwillim’s ancestors have built a great image and created a lasting legacy for him to follow. It’s true, image can be a good thing, but for this hard-working young man, integrity is everything – and at only 22 years old, he’s already got it! n